Injured Kingston Soldier Returns Home

Posted: Wed 6:14 PM, Sep 13, 2006

09-13-06 - A Marshall County soldier who was injured in Iraq last month, landed safely in his family's arms Wednesday afternoon. Dozens of family members had their eyes glued to the yellow jet that was landing with Specialist Matthew Herndon inside, and when they laid eyes on him, he looked happy to be home.

Grinning from ear to ear, he gave a big smile and waved despite the tremendous pain he is in. He walked straight into his family's arms.

Last month, a roadside bomb exploded near his armored vehicle, not only seriously injuring him but also three other Oklahoma soldiers.

After receiving treatment at a military hospital in Germany and a short stay in El Paso, he is home to recuperate. But his thoughts are with those he left behind.

Normally wounded soldiers fly home on a commercial plane, but this jet was donated by a family member. Matthew says it made the trip much more comfortable, and he is hoping to be back to work in six months.

The other three soldiers injured in the same incident have returned to duty in Iraq.

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